Band:	Abattoir
Album:	The Only Safe Place
Style:	Speed metal
Release date:	August 12, 1986
Guest review by:	Cynic Metalhead

01. Intro: Beyond The Altar
02. Bring On The Damned
03. The Only Safe Place
04. Nothing Sacred
05. Hammer Of The Gods
06. Back To Hell
07. Temptations Of The Flesh
08. Under My Skin
09. S.B.D. (Feel The Fire)
10. Night Of The Knife

The evolution of a band between albums often ends up the subject of heated debate by fans. For Los Angeles-based speed metal underdogs Abattoir, the leap from their 1985 debut Vicious Attack to 1986’s The Only Safe Place is conspicuous.

If I may put it more peculiarly, it's much like Savage Grace’s transformation from Master Of Disguise to After The Fall From Grace. Abattoir’s second (and sadly final) full-length album retains the frenetic energy of their debut album Vicious Attack, while revealing a more calculated, polished side of the band. Whether the transition accelerates or stifles, the sound is subjective, but one thing is evident: The Only Safe Place exhibited Abattoir’s maturity and ambition, even if some of their raw edge was sacrificed in the process.

Abattoir introduced Mike Towers as their new vocalist, and it opened up new dimensions for the band vocally. When it comes to production, this record is leagues ahead of its predecessor. The album is muscular, balanced, and exudes technical chops. However, this profound exploration came at a cost, as the feral spontaneity of the debut was lost. The songwriting also takes a more melodic turn, veering into Chastain-like territory at times, and this is especially apparent on a song like "Nothing Sacred". The addition of keyboards, while sparingly used, feels like a misstep, occasionally clashing with the album’s otherwise dark, high-energy atmosphere.

With its heavier-than-thou production and crisp songwriting, The Only Safe Place featured a more polished approach juxtaposed with abrasivity, like on the standout track of the album, "Night Of The Knife". While one may argue over this transformation, for what it's worth, this album defied Abattoir’s range and vision. As the final chapter of a glaringly short yet blazing journey concluded, it left behind a legacy that continues to resonate with speed metal fans.